New threat assessment system launched to strengthen Europe’s response to drug-related threats

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) today launched the new EUDA Health and Security Threat Assessment System (ETAS), designed to strengthen Europe’s preparedness for serious and emerging drug-related threats and to support coordinated responses. Foreseen under the EUDA regulation, the service was unveiled at the meeting of the Heads of Reitox national focal points (NFPs), taking place this week in Lisbon, bringing together representatives from across Europe.

ETAS will help EU Member States identify, assess and respond to drug-related health and security threats linked to drug markets, illicit substances and changing patterns of use. The system provides structured, evidence-based assessments to support timely decisions on mitigation, early preparedness and strategic responses at national and EU level.

As a core component of the EUDA’s wider preparedness framework, ETAS operates in close coordination with the European Drug Alert System (EDAS), the EU Early Warning System on new psychoactive substances and the Network of forensic and toxicological laboratories. Together, these services combine early warning, rapid alerts and in-depth assessments, reinforcing Europe’s capacity to detect and respond to fast-evolving drug-related risks.

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